New University in India: Colleges Which Recently Became Universities

by Smriti Singh 5 views0

New University in India

In recent years, a lot of Colleges / Institutes have been upgraded to University or Deemed-to-be-University by UGC under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. The main purpose of granting the status is to promote high performing & academically excellent Institutions to design their own syllabus as well as award degrees to the students independently.

New Universities in India are GRD Uttarakhand University Dehradun, SJU Bangalore, GMRIT Rajam, Mount Carmel University Bangalore, MITS Deemed to be University Gwalior, Shivalik University Dehradun, KJU Bangalore, and several others.

This article covers a thorough description of the top 7 Colleges that recently became Universities along with brief details including year of establishment, infrastructure & amenities, and much more.

List of Colleges Which Became Universities in India

This section comprises a tailored list of Colleges which became Universities in India.

1. GRD Uttarakhand University, Dehradun

Founded in 1989 as the GRD Institute of Management and Technology Dehradun, it secured University status by UGC in 2026. Now, it is referred to as ‘GRD Uttarakhand University’.  It aims to develop competent business professionals who serve for the betterment of India. To achieve its goal, the University offers multi-disciplinary education in several Diploma, UG, and PG level courses.

This new University in India has been listed among top Institutions of the city due to its focus on both academic & personal growth of the students, highly-quality team of teachers, well-maintained campus, and exceptional career opportunities.

Also Check: Top Colleges in Dehradun


2. Mount Carmel University, Bangalore

Mount Carmel College Bangalore was established in 1944. It is also one of the Colleges which recently became Universities as UGC granted University status to this Institution in 2026. It is only officially known as ‘Mount Carmel University’. Every year, a huge number of students take admission in this University as it offers well-rounded education at an affordable fee structure.

Apart from that, the syllabus of famous academic programs at this new University in India and others is updated on a regular basis to impart practical knowledge so that students can effectively prepare for the corporate world.


3. Shivalik University, Dehradun

Under the aegis of ‘Rijan Educational Society’, the Shivalik College of Engineering (SCE) Dehradun was established in 2008. In 2026, it was merged with the ‘Shivalik College of Pharmacy’ and was renamed as the Shivalik University Dehradun. This Private Educational Institution is committed to develop extraordinary individuals who are not only intelligent but also possess deep ethical values which are essential for the betterment of the World.

In order to achieve its goal, this new University in India features industry-oriented curriculum, highly experienced & knowledgeable professors, world-class amenities, a dedicated Career Development Cell, society, and much more, making it top choice among the future Engineering & Pharmacy aspirants.


4. GMRIT Deemed to be University, Rajam

Established in 1997, the GMR Institute of Technology became a Deemed University in 2026. It is one of several Colleges in India recently granted University status. The official name of the Institution is GMRIT Deemed to be University Rajam. It offers admission in well-known Undergraduate and Postgraduate level programs through valid scores of National / State level entrance tests like AP EAPCET, AP ECET, GATE, AP PGECET, or others.

In addition, it is also one of the popular Institutions among students because of its lush green & eco-friendly campus that fosters a peaceful educational environment. Facilities like smart classrooms, knowledge resource centre, indoor & outdoor playing arena, and residences further complement the campus of this new University in India.


5. Kristu Jayanti University (KJU), Bangalore

The Kristu Jayanti College was established in 1999. After obtaining Deemed University status in 2025, it is referred to as KJU Bangalore. Add on to that, it is recognised by renowned regulatory bodies including BCI and ACBSP as well as accredited by NAAC (‘A’ Grade).

One of the reasons Kristu Jayanti University ranks highly among the renowned Institute is its goal to offer industry-relevant education & inculcate integrity, dignity, faith, and many more core values to the students so that they can thrive in their professional life.

Also Check: Top Private Engineering Colleges in Bangalore


6. Indira University, Pune

In 2025, UGC granted University status to ‘Indira Group of Institutes’ (established in 1994) & it is now known as Indira University Pune. This new University in India has numerous constituent Colleges, Schools, and Institutes wherein quality education is offered with the purpose to bridge the gap amidst academics and real-world applications.

In addition to its academic excellence, the University features a technically advanced campus, diverse range of student-led clubs, and ample technical & cultural programs which offers a holistic experience to the students.

Also Check: Top Colleges in Pune


7. MITS Deemed to be University, Gwalior

Situated at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the Madhav Institute of Technology and Science Gwalior started its operations in 1957 & it was declared a ‘Deemed University’ by UGC in 2024. Since its inception, the MITS Deemed to be University is highly-regarded for developing world-class and successful Engineers.

The University has a team of dedicated professors and other non-teaching staff who guide & assist the students in improving their technical knowledge and skills so that they have a strong practical foundation which are necessary to build a long-term career in their chosen field.


8. St. Joseph’s University (SJU), Bangalore

Located at the centre of the city, the St. Joseph’s College Bangalore was established by ‘Paris Foreign Fathers’ in 1882. Later in 2022, it received the University status by UGC. The guest of honour during the inaugural ceremony of the SJU Bangalore was Indian President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
The new University in India is renowned for not only providing skill-based education across various disciplines but also fosters creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among the students which helps them become a successful individual in future. Few of the most successful alumni of the Institution are Mr. Roger Michael Humphrey Binny (BCCI President), Mr. Vishal Gunni (IPS Officer), and Mr. Sunil Prabhu (TV Journalist).


Common Queries

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the new University in India:

Q.1 Which regulatory body grants University status to the College or Institutes in India?

In India, ‘University Grants Commission (UGC)’ grants University status to the Educational Institutions.

Q.2 Does transition from College to University affect students?

Yes, students of Colleges which got University status in India are affected due to changes in its syllabus, expansion of campus, and other related factors.

Q.3 What are the advantages of transitioning from a College to University?

One of the major benefits is that after becoming a University the Institution can design & confer degrees rather than depending on its affiliating University.

Q.4 Has any College / Institute secured University status in 2026?

Yes, many Institutes / Colleges have been granted University status in 2026 & now these are regarded as new Universities in India. GRD Uttarakhand University Dehradun, Mount Carmel University Bangalore, Shivalik University Dehradun, and GMRIT Deemed to be University Rajam are some of the Universities.


Wrap Up

To conclude the article, few of the new Universities in India are GRD Uttarakhand University Dehradun, SJU Bangalore, GMRIT Rajam, MITS Deemed to be University, KJU Bangalore, and Shivalik University Dehradun. This will not only be beneficial for the University but also for its students as it will elevate the quality of education & accelerate all the administrative procedures.

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